Maltese Learning Community and Resources

You’ve seen them everywhere ever since you’ve been in Malta, usually at the centre of whatever town you’re visiting, and there are often more than one in town. A ‘każin’ or band club.  

So, what on earth are każini, and why are they everywhere? 

The każin is, at its core, a social club. They can be dedicated to one of Malta’s main two political parties, the football club of the town or another social reason for gathering. More often than not, however they are dedicated to patron saint of the town and act not only as a social club, but also the home and practice space of the local brass band whose main raison d'être is the festa.

For foreign university students in Malta, understanding the significance of każini can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Maltese culture. In this article, we will explore what a każin is, their history, famous każini, their cultural relevance, and any other information on każin and każini we can find. 

 What is a każin? 

A każin is a social club that is found all over Malta and Gozo. They are usually owned and operated by a group in a particular village or town and are an important part of Maltese social life. Every każin has a unique name, and many have been around for generations. Each każin has its own personality and offers a wide range of activities and events, including band rehearsals, community meetings, and social gatherings. When Malta was still a British colony, some had names like Każin Re Ġorġ, Każin Banda King’s Own or Banda Duke of Connaught, as well as names such as Soċjeta Filarmonika Ċittà Beland which would show allegiance to either the Italian language, the UK or a preference for independence in the name (during the time so-called 'language question').  

Source: Każin ta' Santa Marija, Wikipedia Commons / Enrique Íñiguez Rodríguez

History of każini 

The history of każini in Malta can be traced back to the late 19th century when the first band clubs were formed. These early clubs were created to support local brass bands, which were a significant part of Maltese music culture. As the clubs grew in popularity, they became social hubs for the community, hosting events such as balls, dinners, and festivals. 

During the early 20th century, każini became even more important to Maltese society. The clubs provided a space for people to come together and discuss issues of the day, such as politics and current events, something which as we have seen continues to present day. They also became a platform for promoting Maltese culture and preserving traditional practices, such as renditions of local folk music. 

In the years following World War II, the popularity of każini continued to grow. With the introduction of television and other forms of entertainment, many people feared that the clubs would become obsolete. However, instead of fading away, każini are adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of the community. This is particularly evident with każini like Għaqda Mużikali Immakulata Kunċizzjoni in Ħamrun, one of Malta's most multicultural towns, are stepping up to the multicultural realities of the town by hosting ethnic nights, inviting foreign musicians with their instruments to play in the band, organising art exhibitions and film nights and other things which, despite the small size of the każin, makes it one of the most progressive.  

Today, każini are more popular than ever and are an essential part of Maltese culture. Although they evolved and changed a lot since, the 1968 film Two Trumpets for St. Andrew, shows how they were.
 

Famous każini 

There are probably over a hundred każini in Malta and Gozo, each with their own unique history and character.  

However, some are more famous than others. One of the most well-known każini in Malta is the Beland Band Club, located in the town of Żejtun. The club was founded in 1864 and has a rich history of supporting their local brass band. However, the oldest club in Malta is in Żebbug. Każin Banda San Filep is dedicated to the patron saint of Żebbug, Saint Philip and was founded in 1851, so well over 150 years old. Different towns and their respective każini are known for different things: Ħamrun is known for its vibrancy, Mqabba and the villages around the airport are known for their pyrotechnics display, San Ġiljan (Saint Julian's) are known for their greasy pole competition (known as "il-ġostra"), etc.  

Każini are an essential part of Maltese culture and have played a significant role in the national identity and continue doing so.